Haldir had realized only after the conversation with Glorfindel about practicing sword-play that both he and Elrohir had been suggesting something else entirely. Haldir had been too caught up in his preoccupation with Elladan to figure it out at the time. He truly wished for some practice -- it was good exercise, and he had been thinking it might be good for Arwen to continue her lessons with Glorfindel if he would agree to it. Haldir thought he should speak to Glorfindel before bringing it up to Lord Elrond. He was not sure how Elrond would feel about his daughter learning weaponry, even if his mother-in-law had approved.

Elladan had clearly already been aware that his brother was involved in other respects with Glorfindel, though Elrond was not. Haldir could hardly blame Glorfindel for keeping this from the Lord of Imladris. After all the war councilor was far older than Elrond's son and in all likelihood should not be trifling with him. Then again, it seemed more that Elrohir was trifling with Glorfindel than the other way around.

When Elladan left the table in a distracted mood after insisting that he would join Haldir and Glorfindel on the morrow, it suddenly struck Haldir what the prince thought he was volunteering for. Damn it all. Haldir decided he better go talk to Elladan and straighten things out, even if it meant deserting his spiced plums. He bid Elrond a good night and hurried out of the hall.

Haldir had discovered this afternoon that he rather liked Elladan. He had not known him well before, but even after the failed deception and interrupted encounter Haldir had become aware that he was something special, and that knowing him could be more than just the tumble he had been seeking from Elrohir. He wanted to know Elladan better, wanted to converse with him, wanted to learn who he was. It was unusual for Haldir to feel this curious about anyone, so he absolutely intended to pursue it regardless of whether an involvement with one of Elrond's sons might be considered inappropriate. That he would worry about when the time came.

Haldir had attempted to draw Elladan into conversation over dinner, but he seemed disinclined to speak, answering only minimally. Haldir wondered if Elladan had been offended by what had happened during the afternoon. Elladan had seemed to genuinely desire him before they had been interrupted. Was he embarrassed by that now? Haldir knew he could only find out by asking. He did not intend to let Elladan start avoiding him the way he avoided Rúmil. He wondered again what problem lay between them and added that to his list of things to find out. If Elladan would not tell him, Rúmil could be persuaded.

Elladan flew out of the dining hall like a bird, and Haldir nearly lost track of him in the corridors of the palace. He obviously knew his way around far better than Haldir. Haldir rounded a corner and barely saw the shadow of the prince as he exited onto the terrace.

"Elladan!"

Elladan froze at the edge of the parapet. He turned around quickly, his long dark hair swinging out in an arc behind him. His grey eyes were wide and round and he looked quite shocked.

"Haldir. What are you doing here?"

"I followed you."

"But why?"

"I wished to speak with you."

"Me? Not Elrohir? Or perhaps Lord Glorfindel? I am certain he is free for some late night sword play," Elladan said smoothly.

Haldir nearly laughed. "Be calm, Elladan. Please."

Elladan folded his arms over his chest and raised an eyebrow at Haldir. "I am perfectly calm," he said coldly.

"I do not suppose you will believe me if I told you that I was genuinely interested in some practice," Haldir said, moving closer to Elladan as he spoke. He half expected Elladan to take a step backwards, but the son of Elrond held his ground. "By the time I figured out what Glorfindel was looking for, you had already fled the hall. I came after you to explain myself."

Elladan seemed to relax slightly. "I feel foolish," he said. "I confess that I was… that is… I did not wish for you and Glorfindel to…"

"You were jealous," Haldir said smugly.

Elladan glared at him. "I was not."

"I am not interested in Lord Glorfindel aside from his sword fighting abilities."

"Why do you need to practice at all? You are the Marchwarden of Lórien. You are renowned for your skill with the blade," Elladan pointed out.

"All this flattery will go right to my head if you do not watch out," Haldir said in an amused tone. "But a little practice never hurt anyone."

"Glorfindel will no doubt be disappointed."

"In truth I had hoped to ask him about taking on a pupil of mine who needs to continue in lessons."

Elladan frowned. "Who do you mean?"

"Arwen. I have been teaching her to fight at Galadriel's command."

It was worth telling him to see the expression on Elladan's face, but after the initial shock he seemed to consider the idea. "Does she have any talent?"

"Indeed she does. I should think that even Lord Glorfindel will not dare trifle with her."

"He will be pleased. He has been telling my father that Arwen should learn to wield a sword and a bow for centuries now."

Haldir nodded. "Then he will not expect from her what he apparently expects of you and me tomorrow."

Elladan blushed slightly, the pink tinge lighting his creamy skin and making him all the more desirable. Haldir licked his lips. The surge of attraction was hard to fight, especially when he did not wish to fight it.

"No," Elladan said, "He would not dare."

"We shall have to pay him back tomorrow for his insolence," Haldir said thoughtfully.

"What do you mean?" Elladan asked.

"Oh, I shall think of something," Haldir replied, lifting his hand to the prince's face for a brief moment.

"Very well. I shall see you tomorrow," said Elladan, his voice very faint.

"Are you dismissing me?" Haldir raised an eyebrow.

"Was.. was there some other reason you sought me out, other than to clarify what you had said to Lord Glorfindel?"

"Do I make you uncomfortable, Elladan?"

"No, of course not."

"Good," Haldir said, "Because I like you very much. I would like to know you better."

Elladan looked up into Haldir's eyes and Haldir felt his breath leave him. Did Elrond's son have any idea how desirable he was? Haldir wanted to kiss him, but he was afraid of frightening him off. In one moment Elladan was bold and masterful and in the next he was like a scared rabbit.

"Ah," Elladan said. "I think I would like that as well. I was very sorry we were interrupted this afternoon."

Haldir smiled. "As was I. And yet I would not rush you into my bed. I do not think you are ready to be there quite yet."

"Am I not?" Elladan said, then he put his arms around Haldir's neck and kissed him.

The press of their lips was like fire. Haldir entwined himself with Elladan, and even though the other elf had begun the kiss, Haldir quickly took control of it, finding his way into Elladan's eagerly opening mouth. He tangled his fingers in the glossy dark hair, giving himself entirely to the kiss. When at last the exchange ended they were both breathless, panting.

"I must bid you good night," Haldir heard himself say, but he did not mean it. His own honor irritated him.

"Not yet," Elladan pleaded.

"If I touch you again, I will have to possess you," Haldir said.

"And if I do not mind?"

"I would not have you despise me come dawn. We have time to wait, Elladan. I would have you sure of yourself before you give yourself to me."

Elladan took a deep breath. "Very well, but do not leave me just yet. Walk with me. Talk with me. I will be better company than I was at dinner. We can stroll in the gardens. They are lovely in the moonlight."

"I can imagine," Haldir said with a hint of irony. He wondered if Elladan meant a further attempt to seduce him. This would be a great test of his willpower and resolve, but he meant to pass it. "Very well, Elladan. Let us walk. Of what shall we speak?"